Line Rating vs Diameter

[Lostime]

An interesting observation...

Regardless of lb rating lines of roughly the same diameter and construction tend to break at roughly the same time.

Example:

Berkley XT 12-lb (0.38 mm) = 22.50 lb average break strength

Berkley Big Game 15-lb (0.38 mm) = 22.38 lb average break strength

Many will say XT is tougher, stronger and stiffer than Big Game.

How many have compared lines of the same diameter instead of rating?

Are we making a mistake by comparing them by the factory rating.

Maybe a truer comparison would be by diameter?

Anyone want to bet Trilene XL 17-lb also 0.38 mm diameter would not break around the same lb?

Just a newbie observation...

[Raul]

I 've fished with the three lines you are talking about, braking strenght or breaking point is only measuring the tensile pull at which the line breaks, it 's not counting other factors like manageability, user friendlyness, abrassion resitance, plasticity, memory and such.

XT is indeed more resistant than Big Game and a lot more resitant than XL in an area, abrassion resitance, so there are many factors involved and not just the line diameter when it comes to selecting the line type that best suits your needs.

For me from the three, the best "all round" in all aspects in 10-12 lb test class is Big Game, if I need tougher line I go with XT, XL is a great line where abrassion resitance is not as important but where or when limpness is more important.

[sal669]

You are 100% correct. There are some differences regarding the composition of the lines that will change the line managebility, abrasion resistance, etc. but as far as breaking strenght, you hit the nail on the head.

I grew up in Europe, where fishing line is advertised, sold and compared by diameter. I am still buying my lines based on diameter, but for different aplications I am choosing different brands and compositions..

Once the weather gets in the 60-es , I fish mainly Tectan premium and BPS Fluoro; on colder weather I'll go with Trilene XL and/or P-Line CX. Basicaly I use aproximately 0.25mm for spinning and 0.30-0.35 on baitcasters.

As well as i know, they use the "diameter" system in Asia and Australia, too.

Good post !!

[Wayne P.]

I use line diameter more than pound test when selecting lines. If I can get a 20# rated line in the same diameter as most 15#, I choose the 20#. I see some brands that list some of their larger diameter lines as a lower pound rating so they can claim how strong they are.    

[roadwarrior]

An interesting observation...Regardless of lb rating lines of roughly the same diameter and construction tend to break at roughly the same time.

That is not true. Although there are no industry standards, Ande might be close. Ande lines are IGFA certified and account for more Line World Records than all other brands combined. Ande #6 has a diameter of .010" and is exactly 6 lb test. Yo-Zuri Hybrid #6 is .010" diameter, but is 11.9 lb test.

8-)

[Lostime]

An interesting observation...Regardless of lb rating lines of roughly the same diameter and construction tend to break at roughly the same time.

That is not true. Although there are no industry standards, Ande might be close. Ande lines are IGFA certified and account for more Line World Records than all other brands combined. Ande #6 has a diameter of .010" and is exactly 6 lb test. Yo-Zuri Hybrid #6 is .010" diameter, but is 11.9 lb test.

8-)

I think I would have chosen a different example rather than a Mono and a Copoly. But I do take your point. Ande Tournament 0.38mm is 16 lb max which is likely a good bit less than Trilene XL 17 lb.

However my point was you may be better off to look at the correct diameter and construction for your use and then look at the actual breaking strength of the line.

I still want to know how much worse 12 lb Trilene XT cast than 17 lb Trilene XL since these two lines are comparable in diameter and maybe breaking strength... My premise is part of what we blaim on the coating may just be the larger diameter. Guess an experiment is in order.